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Event
Forgotten Chicago Forgotten Near North I: Illinois Center & Central Michigan Avenue Walking Tour
The enormous site to the southwest of where the Chicago River and Lake Michigan meet and known by names including Illinois Center and the New Eastside is easily one of the most high-profile urban redevelopment projects in North America. First announced as the location of major development nearly 90 years ago, this site still contains vast parcels of empty land in 2016. Join Forgotten Chicago on Sunday, June 5 for what is likely the first comprehensive tour of this unique urban environment.
The neighborhoods most ambitious recent project, Studio Gangs Vista Chicago would be, if completed, on the site of Walter Ahlschlagers outrageously ambitious Apparel Manufacturers Mart, announced in 1928 as the worlds largest building. Planned to be far larger than the Merchandise Mart then under construction, Ahlschlagers 75-story behemoth would have included a 1,000-room hotel, 1,200-car garage, outdoor swimming pools and no fewer than three private clubs. Scheduled to open on April Fools Day, 1930, the joke was decidedly on investors of one of Chicagos most epic real estate failures.
Additionally, this tour will explore the three-block stretch of Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Wacker Drive, bereft of lake or river views and swank international lifestyle brands. This mostly-forgotten stretch features many independent retailers in utterly forgotten and (mostly) extant projects by Holabird & Root, Barancick, Conte & Associates and Howard Van Doren Shaw. The tour will include what is purportedly an 1880s luxury residential building seen that was remodeled in 1956 for Italian consumer design pioneer Olivetti, with a surprisingly intact remodeled exterior dating from the 1950s.
Tour Details:
When? Sunday June 5 at Noon. Rain or shine.
Where? The tour will meet and begin at the lower (Riverwalk) level of the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum (NW corner of Michigan/Wacker). It will conclude at the same location.
How Long? The tour will consist of about 3 miles of walking and will last approximately 2 1/2 hours.
How much? $20. Advance purchase is required. No walk-ups. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. If severe weather cancels the tour, credit will be issued for use on a tour of equal value.
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LocationMcCormick Bridgehouse Museum Riverwalk Level (Tour Start) (View)
376 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
United States
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